Chelsea have decided to extend Striker Olivier Giroud contract until 2021 due to the financial difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, MySportDab reports.
The French star was set to become a free agent at the end of the season, and only remained at the club in January after failed transfer moves.
According to Sky Sports Italia, Chelsea will now extend Giroud’s contract at Stamford Bridge for a further year.
Giroud has attracted interest from Lazio and Inter Milan in January but Chelsea refused to sell because they could not sign a replacement in time.
MySportDab understands that both clubs remain very interested to sign Giroud but the potential suitors will now have to directly negotiate with Chelsea instead once the extension was activated.
The decision to extend his contract may also have been influenced due to the uncertain financial chaos during the upcoming transfer window.
Giroud’s contract was set to expire on June 30, but Chelsea have decided to protect their player’s value with clubs remaining unsure of how the crisis will affect everything.
However, the Blues could still sell him if they receive a good offer for the 33-year-old – although it remains unknown when football will return.
Giroud initially struggled to be part of Frank Lampard’s first-team plans this season, with Tammy Abraham his first choice option.
But after Tammy suffered an ankle injury against Arsenal in January, Giroud was offered his chance to impress and scored crucial goals against Tottenham and Everton.
Giroud has started just nine matches this season and scored three goals.
